Thrown out and cursed as a trickster by his own father, Raven finds himself in the hands of a woman with a power he never could have imagined. In a time where the lands have been plagued by drought, sickness, and failing crops, Mistress Chatrina gives him food, work, and a place to sleep. But it is not out of the goodness of her heart. Now Raven is faced with the mystery concerning his new friend Myche and his master Breyre, for years held captive by Chatrina's selfishness and greed. They need to escape, and Raven is the only one who can help them return to their people, the shape shifting Eyrders. But this return is not celebrated by all, and Raven, an Outlander, is not welcome. Breyre's need to seek revenge on Chatrina for all the hurt she has caused threatens to bring him nothing but hatred, having him exiled... or worse. Raven has to cope with the impending war, the conflicting plans of the Eyrders themselves, the struggle with his own newfound magic, and his budding relationship with a man who has a troubled past and an uncertain future.